Quatrain 53 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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چون عمر به سر رسد چه شیرین و چه تلخپیمانه چو پر شود چه بغداد و چه بلخ
می نوش که بعد از من و تو ماه بسیاز سَلخ به غٌرّه آید از غره به سلخ
Description:
A Challenge in Translating Omar Khayyam
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in symbolism and philosophical undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The references to Baghdad and Balkh, two ancient cities, along with the imagery of a filled cup and the phases of the moon, contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Whether sweet or bitter, life must end,
And filled or empty, every cup will bend.
So drink, for after you and I, many moons
Will wax and wane from full to crescent soon.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Life's fleeting moments, sweet or sour,
Each cup eventually overflows its hour.
So drink and savor while you may,
For moons will rise and fall, day by day.
A contemporary and informal translation
Whether life's a party or a drag,
It's over soon, there's no turning back.
So grab a drink, and let's have fun,
For time keeps ticking, one by one.
"چون عمر به سر رسد چه شیرین و چه تلخ": This line emphasizes the inevitability of death, regardless of the joys or sorrows of life.
"پیمانه چو پر شود چه بغداد و چه بلخ": This line uses the metaphor of a filled cup to represent the fullness of life and the inevitability of its end. Baghdad and Balkh are symbolic of any place or situation.
"می نوش که بعد از من و تو ماه بسی": The reference to the moon symbolizes the cyclical nature of time and the endless continuation of life after our own.
"از سَلخ به غٌرّه آید از غره به سلخ": This line refers to the phases of the moon, symbolizing the constant change and flux of life.
Themes and Interpretations
The transience of life: The rubai emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence.
The inevitability of death: The poem reminds us that death is the ultimate equalizer, and that no matter our circumstances, we will all eventually die.
The importance of enjoying life: Given the brevity of life, the poet suggests that we should enjoy the pleasures of the moment.
The cyclical nature of time: The reference to the phases of the moon highlights the cyclical nature of life and the idea of rebirth.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. The imagery of the filled cup and the phases of the moon creates a powerful visual representation of the human condition.